Cool room shelving is an essential fixture for any business that relies on cold storage. From cafés to supermarkets, the right system keeps products accessible, hygienic, and safe. Poor shelving can lead to wasted space, damaged goods, and standard compliance issues.
In 2025, many Australian businesses are upgrading their shelving to meet modern standards for hygiene and efficiency. The growth of Australia’s cold storage sector highlights this trend, the market was valued at AUD 2.67 billion in 2024 and is projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate of 18.7 % through 2034. Such rapid expansion signals increasing investment in safe and efficient storage infrastructure, including reliable cool room shelving systems. At Mills Shelving, a 4-level cool room rack starts from $301.95 + GST, with individual accessories available to customise each setup.For anyone planning a fit-out or upgrade, Mills Shelving’s range of cool room shelving offers reliable options built for long-term performance in commercial environments.
Cool room shelving is priced per bay, with most systems designed to include multiple shelves and modular connectors.
A standard 4-tier rack starts from $301.95 + GST, suitable for smaller operations or as part of a larger configuration. Additional parts are sold separately for flexibility:
Corner connector: $10.50 + GST
Each bay can be customised to match the space or load requirements. For example:
These figures exclude GST and delivery fees, which depend on location and total volume.
The modular system makes scaling easy. Businesses can start small and expand their setup later without replacing existing shelves, saving cost in the long run.
Prices shift depending on several practical factors. Knowing these helps in estimating a realistic project cost.
1. Configuration
The number of bays and shelf tiers influences the total investment. More shelves require more inserts, connectors, and clips.
2. Accessories
Every accessory adds function. Connectors stabilise the structure, while shelf inserts improve hygiene and airflow. Although small, these parts play a major role in overall cost.
3. Material and Build Quality
Durable, corrosion-resistant finishes increase lifespan and performance. Cheaper materials may require earlier replacements, adding long-term expenses.
4. Storage Conditions
Freezers and high-humidity environments demand stronger materials that resist rust and moisture damage.
5. Supplier and Warranty
Trusted suppliers usually offer warranties and local support, providing better long-term value than imported alternatives. Mills Shelving stands by this commitment through reliable after-sales service, product warranties, and readily available replacement parts for all cool room shelving systems.
| Setup Type | Bays | Estimated Total | Ideal Use |
| Small Café | 2 | $600–$700 | Beverages, light stock |
| Butcher | 5 | $1,500–$1,800 | Meat storage |
| Supermarket | 10+ | $3,000+ | Bulk storage |
Cool room shelving involves more than the base rack. Accessories, delivery, and installation must also be factored into the total price.
Product Cost
A single rack begins at $301.95 + GST. Each additional accessory, such as connectors or shelf inserts, contributes to the final cost.
Delivery Fees
Charges depend on distance and order size. Metro deliveries are often cheaper than regional freight, so grouping orders can reduce costs.
Installation Labour
Professional labour rates range between $75 and $125 per hour. Smaller installations, such as one to three bays, take about one to two hours. Larger commercial setups with multiple bays can extend across a full day or more.
Tips for Managing Costs:
Cool room shelving is straightforward to install, particularly for smaller layouts. Most systems are designed for easy assembly using connectors and clips, requiring only basic tools.
Typical process:
A standard bay can usually be assembled in 15–30 minutes. For larger projects, professional installers help maintain uniform spacing and alignment.
Safe installation depends on even floor surfaces and proper airflow gaps. Shelves should never sit flush against walls or floors, as airflow is needed for temperature control and hygiene compliance.
Made out of durable but lightweight, easy to clean and maintain aluminium and plastic, our shelving ensures your cold storage area can be maintained hygienically to all the food and hospitality industry standards
Accessories are the unsung components that keep a cool room system secure and compliant. They may look minor, but their quality determines how well the shelving performs over time.
Replacing worn parts early avoids expensive failures later. Businesses that store high-turnover goods, such as meat or produce, benefit from keeping spares on-site. This reduces downtime during maintenance or inspections.
Regular upkeep extends the life of any shelving system. Cool room racks operate in humid conditions that can accelerate wear, so consistent checks are worth the effort.
A few simple routines keep the system in peak condition:
Well-maintained shelving can last five to ten years, depending on environment and usage. Replacement parts from Mills Shelving are readily available, which makes it easy to refresh older systems without replacing the entire unit.
Selecting a dependable supplier matters as much as choosing the right product. Businesses need shelving that meets food safety expectations, fits custom room dimensions, and can be delivered promptly.
A trustworthy supplier should provide:
Mills Shelving delivers all of these features. Our cool room shelving is designed for long-term use across food service, grocery, and hospitality settings. The company also offers nationwide delivery, helping businesses build safe and efficient cold storage spaces with minimal hassle.
A standard 4-level bay starts from $301.95 + GST, excluding delivery and accessories.
Yes, most small installations can be self-assembled using basic tools. For larger or complex layouts, professional labour typically costs $75–$125 per hour.
Assembly usually takes 15–30 minutes per bay, depending on size and configuration.
They are compatible within the same shelving series. Always confirm part numbers before ordering replacements.
Cleaning should be weekly, with safety inspections every few months. With proper care, shelves can last up to ten years before needing replacement.
Cool room shelving is a long-term investment that influences both hygiene and storage efficiency. Prices begin at around $301.95 + GST for a standard rack, with low-cost accessories available to customise or maintain each setup. Installation costs vary depending on size, but many smaller configurations can be assembled in under an hour.
Routine cleaning, airflow maintenance, and timely part replacement all extend shelf life and reduce downtime. For businesses needing reliable, modular systems tailored to Australian conditions, Mills Shelving remains a trusted choice. Our collection of cool room racks, connectors, and inserts supports both functionality and compliance across commercial environments.
Retailers ready to plan their fit-out can view detailed options in our Retail Shelving solutions and Gondola Shelving collections. Both ranges use Australian-standard components designed for reliable daily use and long-term value.